Explosives and fireworks storage licence

If you have an explosives and fireworks storage licence you can only sell fireworks during:

• 15 October to 10 November
• 26 December to 31 December
• the first day of Chinese New Year and the three days before it
• the day of Diwali and the three days before it

Selling fireworks outside of these dates without a licence is illegal.

If you want to sell fireworks throughout the year, you will need an additional annual supplier’s licence.

We rigorously enforce these laws, especially during the fireworks selling period. This includes carrying out underage test purchases.

We have the power to take away explosives and fireworks storage licences.

The police and fire brigade may also enforce certain rules.

Fireworks sold by retailers are generally the types of less powerful fireworks. These are known as hazard type 4, Hazprod code 1.4G. We allow for the storage of either:

• up to 250 kilograms (NEM) of type 4 without the need for separation distances
• up to 2,000 kilograms where suitable separation distances can be maintained.

We do not recommend selling 'display' fireworks. They need a safe distance of 25 meters for spectators. These are known as hazard type 3 (Hazprod code 1.3G).

Download our advice on storing and selling fireworks and explosives (PDF 284.27 KB)

You don’t need a licence to store very small quantities of explosives and for very short term storage. For example, there are allowances for storing shooters' powders and some lower-risk pyrotechnic articles, including:

• flares
• fog signals
• car airbags
• seatbelt pretensioners

In all cases, you must still store these items safely and securely.

Read Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on explosives licensing.